Devils fans trade opinions, predictions of their favorite team

Throughout the high school, students spend a lot of time talking about major local sports teams, especially the New York Jets, the New York Giants, and  the New York Rangers. One team in particular that is located in New Jersey itself seems to make the biggest impact: the National Hockey League’s own New Jersey Devils. 

The Devils have sparked an interest in many students and staff around the school, and this interest has inspired some students to play the game. One student, freshman Shayna Baldwin, said that without the Devils, she wouldn't be able to see herself playing hockey for the high school’s team. “I without a doubt couldn’t see myself playing hockey, or even thinking about joining the [high-school’s] team if it wasn’t for becoming a Devils fan in the first place,” said Baldwin.

 NJ Hockey as a whole hasn't only made an impact on Baldwin’s life; but, also the Devils players, who she looks up to for guidance throughout her season, have influenced her. “I look at their footwork and how they respond to stressful situations during the game and it has helped me grow as a player on the ice and in the locker room. I look at Timo Meier a lot, honestly,” said Baldwin. The smile on her face as she speaks about her journey to playing through the Devils really confirms just how much the team has made an influence in her life. 

Some have also formed stronger familial bonds over Devils games. Vincent Vicchiariello, the supervisor of Fine & Performing Arts/Career & Technical Education, who also serves as the band director, has been able to make a closer connection with his family going to hockey games and rooting for them throughout his life. “My father and I went to games throughout my time in college and we’d have fun. My nephew as well, who is ten, is a die-hard Devils fan so it's something that he and I always talk about,” said Vicchiariello.

One of Viccihariello’s sophomore students, Antonella Franco, has also gotten into the game of hockey a little more, and it has caused her to form new connections with friends. “I started watching games with my friends who really enjoy the team and hockey itself, which brought us to spend more time together,” said Franco. 

Devils fans have different opinions about the team when it comes to predictions, but one thing Vicchiariello brought up is that the Devils are in a position they have to uphold to get far and grow. “It's also a matter of needing to stay in the third place spot, as it'll give us a one way ticket to playoffs,” said Vicchiariello. Both Franco and Baldwin agree that this is a crucial need as well. On top of that, Baldwin predicts a stronger defense will show up, as she understands how useful it is to have a strong defensive system. “I'm thinking that our defense will become stronger as that's a big aspect of the game. I know from experience how much it matters as on the Nutley team we lost games from defensive breakdown,” said Baldwin. 

Both Franco and Baldwin had different viewpoints on fourth line center, Curtis Lazar. “I also think Curtis Lazar is going to show huge improvements, as he's a great depth player and is good in overtime,” said Baldwin. Franco, on the other hand, thinks the opposite: “I really do think we’ll be saying goodbye to Lazar soon. He hasn't contributed much lately and he's very injury prone,” said Franco. As of now the Devils are standing at 10th in the league, with a record of 32-21-6 and there are only a few months left in the season.